A week after The BarnBurner lit the world on fire with its #FireTubbySmith petition and article, U. Memphis Athletic Director Tom Bowen appeared on the Jason & John show on 92.9 — hmm, wonder why? As a result of this appearance, he’s this week’s (Questionable) #BumOfTheWeek.
The reason his bum-status is questionable is what is outlined in more detail in the CHIEF’s tweet storm below — Bowen’s hands were tied on-air. He couldn’t actually say, “yeah, bro, we’re going to fire Tubby’s ass probably on Friday so he has the weekend to adsorb it.” That’s not the way PR works, I’m told. With that said, my tweet storm after listening better describes why his statements were troublesome, indicative of a possible misunderstanding of this basketball program, and, most importantly, bum-esque:
Re: @uofmemphis’ AD #TomBowen & his appearance on @929espn (a tweet sequence). Bowen had no choice but to say what he said. But if he actually thinks everything he said, the program is in danger.
— CHIEF (@TheBarnChief) January 11, 2018
He focuses on the kids/players and how upstanding they are. This is true, they’re great kids. I hope they have 4.0s and graduate, but this has nothing to do with wins/losses trajectory, which is the focus of the #FireTubbySmith movement.
— CHIEF (@TheBarnChief) January 11, 2018
He doesn’t address attendance, he subverts it and references the “last two weeks” of offensive changes. If you have to reference two home wins against unranked teams as your positives, c’mon homie.
— CHIEF (@TheBarnChief) January 11, 2018
Jeremiah Martin has been hoopin’ no doubt. (But he’s Pastner’s recruit). As for future recruiting, he ducks the question. His expectations are to be top 25, says “we’re working on it, trying to get better everyday.” WTF does that mean. What are the tangible steps??
— CHIEF (@TheBarnChief) January 11, 2018
He mentions Fuente’s first year (3-9), compares to Tubby. But we’re in Tubby’s 2nd year & there’s NO indication of future success particularly with recruitment (which is the definition of “program future”)
— CHIEF (@TheBarnChief) January 11, 2018
Memphis fans don’t care if a bunch of Ju-Co players who “want to win” overachieve and win 20 games. I hope, despite Bowen’s radio-friendly statements, he actually knows that. #FireTubbySmith #GoTigersGo
— CHIEF (@TheBarnChief) January 11, 2018
Bowen also mentioned “Years 4 and 5” with respect to Tubby. If Tubby is afforded that many years, I’m afraid this program could be damaged beyond repair. The one thing I loved was Bowen’s mention of the program being Top 25. I agree. Memphis Tiger Basketball should end each season ranked. It has the facilities, booster support, and fan passions to do so. Stay #woke, Tom, stay #woke. And #GoTigersGo.
[banner image from 92.9 Hasseltine’s show]